Reflective pedal

ABSTRACT

The pedal frame comprises a pair of spaced legs onto each of which is telescoped an elongate extruded tread member or block having formed therein open-ended passageway or channel means receptive of a frame leg and a reflector element, the frame legs each having a pair of spaced parallel rigid flanges outwardly turned to overlie and underlie the reflective element, thereby to buffer and protect the reflective element against twisting and compressive forces directed onto the tread member by the foot of the cyclist, and to preclude internal cutting of the tread member by the reflective element.

United States Patent Pawsai et al.

[54] REFLECTIVE PEDAL [72] Inventors: Carlton P. Pawsai, 47 BryantCircle;

Robert F. Humlong, 46 Bryant Circle, both of Maysville, Ky. 41056 [22]Filed: April 29, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 138,646

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No.56,291, July [52] [1.8. CI ..74/5 94.4 [51] Int. Cl. ..B62m-3/12 [58]Field of Search ..74/594.4

[56] RelerencesCited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,478,735 8/1949 Anderson..74l594.4 X

[451 Oct. 31, 1972 3,127,789 4/1964 Van De Loo ..74/594.4

Primary ExaminerMilton Kaufman Assistant Examiner-F. D. ShoemakerAttorney-4. Warren Kinney, Jr.

[5 7 ABSTRACT The pedal frame comprises a pair of spaced legs onto eachof which is telescoped an elongate extruded tread member or block havingformed therein openended passageway or channel means receptive of aframe leg and a reflector element, the frame legs each having a pair ofspaced parallel rigid flanges outwardly turned to overlie and underliethe reflective element, thereby to buffer and protect the reflectiveelement against twisting and compressive forces directed onto the treadmember by the foot of the cyclist, and to preclude internal cutting ofthe tread member by the reflective element.

7 Claims, 28 Drawing Figures PATENTED i973 3.701. 290 sum 1 or 5INVENTORS CARLTON R PAWSAT ROBERT F. HUMLONG PATENTED I973 3,701,290

sum 2 OF 5 l/VVE/VTORS CARLTON P. PAWSAT ROBERT F. HUMLONG PA'TENTED B II9 2 3.701.290

sum 3 or s INVENTORS CARLTON P. PAWSAT ROBERT F. HUMLONG AT YPATENTEDucI 31 m2 SHEET I; 0F 5 INVENTORS CARLTON P. PAWSAT ROBERT F.HUMLONG PKTENTED 0m 31 m2 SHEET 5 [IF 5 FIG 23 INVENTORS CARLTON P.PAWSAT ROBERT F. HUMLONG AT Y REFLECTIVE PEDAL This is acontinuation-impart of our copending US. Pat. application, Ser. No.56,291, filed July 20, I970.

This invention relates to a reflective pedal for use on thereby tominimize the likelihood of collision or other accidents involving thecycle due to inadequate lighting.

The reflectors carried by the pedals will be visible whether the cyclistis pedaling or coasting, as long as his feet remain normally upon thepedals. During pedaling, the reflected light will afford the appearanceof colored bars or lines of light moving in a vertical plane. Even whenthe cyclist is coasting, sufficient animation of the pedal reflectorsresults from the natural ankle movements of the cyclist to ensureattracting attention of approaching vehicle drivers.

An object of the present invention is to provide highly effective meansassociated with the pedals of bicycles and the like, for reflectingwarning light both forwardly and rearwardly of the line of travel of thecycle, the light emanating from an external source.

Another object of the invention is to provide an imwill deliver greatlyprolonged service under all conditions of use, including adverseconditions involving dust, dirt, moisture and other foreign substances.

Another object is to provide an improved reflective pedal of thecharacter referred to, which is simple and inexpensive to manufactureand assemble.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a Still a furtherobject of the invention is to provide a pedal having the hereinabovedescribed characteristics and wherein the pedal frame includes a pair ofoutturned flanges integral with an intermediate web for providing anelongate support for a tread member associated with the pedal frame.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pedal wherein a treadmember constitutes the sole anchoring means for a reflector when areflector is associated with the pedal.

The foregoing and other objects are attained by the means describedherein and illustrated upon the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reflective cycle pedal embodying theimprovements of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the FIG. 1 pedal, detailingcertain structural improvements.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the FIG. 1 pedal.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are enlarged cross-sections taken on lines 4-4 and 5-5,respectively, of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section showing a modification of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 7 through 12 are cross-sections similar to FIG. 5, each showing amodification wherein the pedal frame legs, as in FIGS. 1 through 6, arecompletely enclosed by the tread member and/or the reflector element ofthe pedal assembly.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation of a modified pedal wherein the tread memberis open at one side to expose a limited area of the pedal frame leg.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-section taken on line 1414 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 showing a modification thereof.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a pedal construction wherein the framelegs are apertured to provide reflector windows.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the FIG. 16 pedal.

FIG. 18 is a side elevation of the FIG. 16 pedal.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged cross-section taken on line 19-19 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 19 showing a modification thereof.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a bow-type pedal which embodies theimprovements aforesaid.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the pedal frame characterizing thepedal of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of a pedal incorporating amodification of the FIG. 1 1 construction.

FIG. 24 is a cross-section on line 24-24 of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the FIG. 23 pedal.

FIG. 26 is a view similar to FIG. 24 and showing a modification thereof.

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the pedal of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG. 26 showing a modification thereof.

In accordance with the present invention, the reinforcing flanges of thelegs of the U-shaped pedal frame are utilized to advantage, forprotecting the reflective material or element and prolonging its usefullife, as well as that of the tread member. This is accomplished byturning the rigid leg flanges outwardly rather than inwardly, so thatthe flanges may overlie and underlie the reflector, and thereby bufferthe reflector against twisting and compressive forces directed onto thetread member incident to vigorous pedaling or braking of the cycle.

With reference to FIGS. 1 through 5, the reference numeral 30 indicatesgenerally the rigid metallic frame of a cycle pedal, usually U-shaped inform, and comprising spaced substantially parallel legs 32, 34 connectedby a base or strut portion 36. The base or strut portion 36 may besuitably ribbed as at 38 for purposes of reinforcement and rigidity, andmay carry a central dome or cap 40 adapted to cover or protect the outerpedal bearing which usually is confined in a raceway 42. A secondbearing cover 44 may be provided for the inner bearing of the pedal, asis usual. The pedal shaft or axle is denoted 46, and may terminate as ascrewthreaded stud 48 attachable to the crank or hanger of the drivesprocket, not shown.

The pedal frame legs 32, 34, disposed in spaced substantial parallelism,are rigidified by means of upper and lower outwardly extended flanges50, 52, which may extend substantially the full length of the legs. The

intermediate portion of each leg may be referred to as the web or mainwall of the pedal frame. The flanges 50, 52 are of substantial width,but preferably are not as wide as the width dimension of the web. Thereinforcing ribs 38 of strut 36 may extend partly into the webs 54, 54,as shown.

The free ends of webs 54, 54 may be developed to provide tangs 56, 56which are receptive in slots 58, 58 of a connecting bar 60 that carriesbearing cover 44. The tangs may be bent over or twisted to lock the bar60 onto the ends of the webs or arms of the pedal frame, (See FIG. 1).

It is important to note that the pedal frame flanges 50, 52 are turnedoutwardly relative to the axis of pedal shaft 46, and are parallelthereto.

The reference character 62 indicates generally an elongate pedal blockor tread member, against which the foot of the cyclist applies aconsiderable force in pedaling or braking the cycle. The block or treadmember may be generally rectangular of cross-section, and may be ribbedlongitudinally as shown to minimize slippage. The tread member may bemolded, extruded, or otherwise formed of a plastic or rubber-likematerial having a measure of inherent resiliency and flexibility, bypreference.

The tread member may be formed with a longitudinal internal primarychannel 64 shaped and dimensioned complementarily to the cross-sectionalshape and size of a pedal leg 32, so that the tread member may be slidonto the pedal leg, substantially into end abutment against strut 36.Each pedal leg may be so furnished with a tread member, after which thebar 60 and its associated shaft and bearing parts may be applied to thetanged ends of the pedal legs according to FIGS. 1 and 3. The primarychannel 64 includes angularly disposed branches 66 receptive of theoutwardly turned leg flanges 50, 52.

Between the primary channel branches 66, 66, the tread member isprovided with a secondary elongated channel 68 which in length may becoextensive with the length of channel 64. The secondary channel isadapted to receive and hold a reflective element 70, which in FIGS. 1through 5, is shown as a substantially flat reflective strip of uniformwidth and thickness dimensioned for slidable entry lengthwise into theconfines of secondary channel 68.

The reflective element 70 flatly abuts the back of channel 68 (FIG. andits opposite side edges rest in grooves or trackways 72, 72 defined byintegral overlying lips 74, 74 which may extend the full length ofchannel 68. The lips 74, 74 are spaced from each other in substantialparallelism, thereby to define an elongate narrow window through whichthe reflective face of element 70 is visible. Due to the inherentresiliency of the material constituting the tread member, lips 74, 74effectively embrace and hold the reflective element 70 very snugly, notonly to prevent displacement thereof from channel 68, but also to afforda seal against entry of dirt and moisture behind the reflective element.

The reflective element 70 may be of any suitable known construction. Itis sometimes made as a plastic stamping or molded strip, or a strip ofglass, metal, acrylic resin or other material suitably treated so as tohave light reflective qualities.

It is readily apparent from the disclosure of FIG. 5, that the rigidflanges 50, 52 of the pedal frame overlie and underlie the reflectiveelement 70, to protect it from any crushing forces applied to the treadmember by the foot of the cyclist. Also, by intercepting and absorbingsuch forces, the flanges 50 and 52 prevent distortion of the channel 68,its grooves 72, and lips 74, thereby to chafing within the channel andpossible internal cutting of the tread member by the reflective element,which cutting and chafing invariably will prematurely reduce theeffective life and serviceability of the pedal.

The reflective element 70 may be somewhat shorter in length than channel68, as evidenced by FIG. 3, and one end of said element may be stoppedat rib 38 which in the example shown, distorts channel 68 according toFIG. 4 as the tread member is advanced to home position in assembly uponthe leg of the pedal frame. Rib 38 may be reduced in height oreliminated from the web 32, if desired, to permit extending thereflector element closer to strut 36.

The modification, FIG. 6, is distinguished from FIGS. 1 through 5 onlyin that the reflective element 70 is thinner, being constructed of athin sheet metal strip rendered reflective by coating or otherwisetreating the strip with a reflective paint or equivalent material. Inthis case, of course, the secondary channel 68 may be quite shallow, andlips 74, 74 may be made thicker to embrace the reflective element wellwithin the confines of protective flanges 50 and 52.

FIGS. 7 through 12 show various possible modifications of FIGS. 5 and 6,described as follows.

FIG. 7 shows a clear plastic window element 76 overlying the reflectiveelement and holding it within channel 68. In this instance, the windowelement 76 may be an integral transparent or translucent area of thetread element.

FIG. 8 shows a modification wherein the inside face of web 54 is exposedso as to carry a reflective adhesive tape or a reflective coating 78visible in the space between flanges 50 and 52.

FIG. 9 shows a modification wherein reflective element 70 is secured toa backing strip 80 of metal or other suitable backing material, strip 80having a width dimension greater than that of the reflective element, sothat opposite side marginal portions 82, 82 of the backing strip areembraced within the secondary channel 68. This construction may omitopposing retaining lips such as are shown at 74 of FIG. 5, if desired,but utilizing instead the end-contact retaining lips 84, 84.

FIG. 10 shows a modification wherein reflective element 70 is placed indirect flatwise abutment against that face of web 54 which is includedbetween the protective flanges 50 and 52 of the pedal frame leg. Thisconstruction requires no secondary tread channel, the primary channel 64being suflicient as a means for accommodating both the frame leg and thereflective element.

FIG. 11 shows a modification quite similar to FIG. 10, but whereinreflective element 70 is secured flatwise to a strip of backing material80, the strip having a width dimension greater than that of thereflective element, so that opposite side marginal portions 82, 82 ofthe backing strip are embraced within the secondary channel 68. Thisconstruction may employ end-contact retaining lips such as are shown at84, 84 of FIG. 10, if desired. The backing strip may be secured to thereflective element in any suitable manner, as by mechanical means, anadhesive, or the like.

The FIG. 12 modification is quite similar to FIG. 10, with the exceptionthat reflective element 70 instead of being substantially flat, ischannel-shaped in cross-section to include an elongate recess 86 spacedfrom the frame leg or web 54. In this instance, as in FIGS. 8, l0, and11, the end-contact retaining lips 84, 84 define a window openingthrough which the reflective element is readily visible.

The tread member 62 of the modifications, FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, isdistinguished from others in that it is pierced through to provide awindow 88 and a coinciding back aperture 90. The back aperture 90exposes the back face of web 54 while window 88 exposes the reflectiveelement 70. In FIGS. 13 and 14, the reflective element may be areflective strip or a coating applied to the channel face of web 54.According to FIG. 15, the reflective element is in elongate strip formbacked against the channel face of web 54 and held in place by retainerlips 92, 92.

In each of FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, the webs 54 of the pedal frame legs areshown imperforate, and this characteristic applies also to FIGS. 1through 12, preferably. The structure of FIG. 15 embodies a primarychannel 64 and a secondary channel 68, wherein that of FIG. 14 employsonly a primary channel 64.

In FIGS. 16 through 20, the construction involves piercing the webs 54to provide apertures 94, 94, the pedal frame being otherwise similar toFIG. 2. Apertures 94, 94 provide sockets for receiving and positioningthe reflective elements 70, 70, which may be formed as a one-piecereflector according to FIG. 17, or if desired, furnished as two separatereflectors by severance midway between the ends thereof.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 19, the reflective element carriesparallel flanges 96, 96 which abut the margins of apertures 94 topreclude outward displacement of the reflective elements through theapertures. The rear face 98 of the reflective element abuts the innerface 100 of channel 102. An adjacent channel 104 accommodates the weband the flanges of the pedal frame leg.

The construction exemplified by FIG. 20 is substantially like that ofFIG. 19, with the exception that the reflective element 70 of FIG. 20consists of a thin strip or coating of reflective material appliedagainst the face 100 and requiring only a very shallow channel 102. Thewidth of reflective element 70 is greater than the width of web aperture94, so that opposite margins of the reflective element are crampedbetween the rigid material of web 54 and the back wall or face 100 ofchannel 102.

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate a bow-type of pedal, which may be treated inaccordance with any of the various forms of the invention previouslydisclosed herein. The reflective element is displayed at 70 of FIG. 21,to fulfill the several objects of the invention. The pedal frame, ifdesired, may be apertured according to FIG. 17 or it may presentimperforate webs for the purposes of FIGS. 1 through 15.

In the modified structure, FIGS. 23, 24 and 25, the pedal frame legs orwebs 54 have been subjected to a press operation which produces in eachweb an elongate shallow well or pocket 106, said wells or pockets eachbeing receptive of a reflector element fitted therein. The length andwidth dimensions of the pockets may exceed slightly the correspondingdimensions of the reflector elements, so that said elements may notshift materially within the pockets. As will be understood, thereflector element utilized here may correspond to one having a formpreviously disclosed herein, although in the example of FIGS. 23 through25, the reflector element is shown as an elongate strip of uniform widthbacked up by a backing member 80. Backing member may or may not beattached to the back of reflector element 70.

The reflector element 70 may include opposed side marginal portions orparallel flanges 108, 108, which serve as seats or abutments againstwhich may bear the end-contact retaining lips 84, 84 of the tread memberor pedal block 62, for maintaining the reflector element normally sealedwithin pocket 106. As in the other embodiments described, the retaininglips 84, 84 are spaced apart to provide an elongate window openingthrough which the reflector element may be seen. The channel 112 definedby the retaining lips 84, 84 and the back wall of the tread member,snugly accommodates the pedal frame leg in the course of pedal assembly.Said channel 1 12 includes an elongate secondary channel 114 adapted toaccommodate the pocket or well portion 106 of the pedal frame leg.

The modification of FIGS. 23, 24 and 25 as illustrated by FIGS. 26, 27and 28 adds a rigid rectangular retainer plate 116 which rests againstthe flanges 108, 108 and surrounds the exposed forward portion of thereflector element 70. Retainer plate 116 may be sub stantially flat,having a large central rectangular opening 117 into which the forwardreduced portion of the reflector element is fitted. The outer marginalportions 118 of the retainer plate are clamped between the retaininglips 84 and the web 54 of the pedal frame leg, to provide an extensiveseal effective to exclude dirt and moisture from the well or pocket 106which embraces the reflector element. As in the case of FIG. 24, thereflector element of FIG. 26 may or may not include a backing member 80.

As is readily evident from the disclosures of FIGS. 24 and 26, theprovision of the well or pocket 106 assures a relatively deepdisposition of the reflector within the pedal frame and the pedal treadmember, thereby to furnish maximum protection of the reflector againstdefacement, mechanical injury, and possible loss or displacement. Theconstruction is inducive also to rapid and accurate assembly of thepedal structure, without the employment of skilled labor.

With reference to FIG. 13 wherein a single elongate opening 88 is shownin the side wall of the tread member 62, it should be noted that saidillustration is exemplary, rather than restrictive, and that the presentinvention contemplates modifications wherein the single opening isdivided into two, or more axially spaced, elongate openings in the wallof the plastic tread.

What is claimed is:

1. A bicycle pedal comprising a rigid pedal frame, an inner end plateand a shaft, the frame being of U-shape configuration, the base beingthe outer end plate and the legs having the inner end plate connectedthereto at the free end thereof, the shaft extending through the innerend plate and into a bearing carried by the base of the frame, the legsof the frame comprising a vertical web with flanges extending outwardlynormal to each longitudinal edge of the web, pedal tread blocks mountedon the legs, the pedal blocks having a channel therethrough, the channelhaving a base portion and outwardly extending branch portions adjacenteach longitudinal edge of the base portion, the configuration of thelegs of the pedal frame fitting in the configuration of the channel inthe pedal block, the pedal block being maintained on the legs of thepedal frame and being prevented from rotation on the longitudinal axisthereof, the web having a longitudinal depression in a directionopposite to the flanges and forming pockets in the web, the pedal blockhaving an outwardly facing side with a longitudinal opening therein,upper and lower wall portions of the opening extending toward the weband being inwardly of the branch portions of the channel, the openingextending the full length of the pedal block, the opening being of lesswidth than the distance between the flanges of the legs, a lightreflective element having a base portion, the base portion being seatedin the depression, and means within the opening retaining the reflectiveelement within the opening and depression.

v 8 2. Bicycle pedal as set flirt? in claim 1, wherein the retainingmeans comprise inner end portions of the upper and lower wall portions.

3. The combination according to claim 2, wherein I said opening isdefined by said retaining means.

4. The bicycle pedal as defined by claim 1, wherein saidlight-reflective element is in the form of an elongate strip of materialhaving a pair of opposing marginal side flanges, and said retainingmeans bear upon said side flanges to maintain the light-reflectiveelement within the opening.

5. The combination as defined by claim 2, wherein said light-reflectiveelement is in the form of an elongate strip of material having a pair ofopposing marginal side flanges; an apertured retainer plate having aninner marginal portion overlying said side flanges, and an outermarginal portion abutted by said retaining means, said retaining meansacting upon said outer marginal portion of the retainer plate forholding it against the web.

6. The combination according to claim 4, wherein said window is definedby said retaining means.

7. The combination according to claim 5, wherein said window is definedby said retaining means.

1. A bicycle pedal comprising a rigid pedal frame, an inner end plateand a shaft, the frame being of U-shape configuration, the base beingthe outer end plate and the legs having the inner end plate connectedthereto at the free end thereof, the shaft extending through the innerend plate and into a bearing carried by the base of the frame, the legsof the frame comprising a vertical web with flanges extending outwardlynormal to each longitudinal edge of the web, pedal tread blocks mountedon the legs, the pedal blocks having a channel therethrough, the channelhaving a base portion and outwardly extending branch portions adjacenteach longitudinal edge of the base portion, the configuration of thelegs of the pedal frame fitting in the configuration of the channel inthe pedal block, the pedal block being maintained on the legs of thepedal frame and being prevented from rotation on the longitudinal axisthereof, the web having a longitudinal depression in a directionopposite to the flanges and forming pockets in the web, the pedal blockhaving an outwardly facing side with a longitudinal opening therein,upper and lower wall portions of the opening extending toward the weband being inwardly of the branch portions of the channel, the openingextending the full length of the pedal block, the opening being of lesswidth than the distance between the flanges of the legs, a lightreflective element having a base portion, the base portion being seatedin the depression, and means within the opening retaining the reflectiveelement within the opening and depression.
 2. Bicycle pedal as set forthin claim 1, wherein the retaining means comprise inner end portions ofthe upper and lower wall portions.
 3. The combination according to claim2, wherein said opening is defined by said retaining means.
 4. Thebicycle pedal as defined by claim 1, wherein said light-reflectiveelement is in the form of an elongate strip of material having a pair ofopposing marginal side flanges, and said retaining means bear upon saidside flanges to maintain the light-reflective element within theopening.
 5. The combination as defined by claim 2, wherein saidlight-reflective element is in the form of an elongate strip of materialhaving a pair of opposing marginal side flanges; an apertured retainerplate having an inner marginal portion overlying said side flanges, andan outer marginal portion abutted by said retaining means, saidretaining means acting upon said outer marginal portion of the retainerplate for holding it against the web.
 6. The combination according toclaim 4, wherein said window is defined by said retaining means.
 7. Thecombination according to claim 5, wherein said window is defined by saidretaining means.